People with Long Covid and ME/CFS Exhibit Similarly Impaired Balance and Physical Capacity: A Case-Case-Control Study

Purpose: Postural sway and physical capacity had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study determined postural sway and physical capacity in people with long COVID (∼16-month illness duration; n = 21) and ME/CFS (∼16-year illness duration; n = 20), vs age-matched healthy controls (n = 20). Methods: Postural sway was during a 30-s static stand test. Physical capacity was determined using the Timed Up and Go test and 5 Times Sit to Stand test. Throughout, participants wore isoinertial measurement units. Results: Postural sway was worse (ie, greater) in people with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. Performance of the Timed Up and Go test and 5 Times Sit to Stand test were worse in long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. Of long COVID and ME/CFS participants, 87% and 13% exceeded the threshold for muscle weakness in the 5 Times Sit to Stand test and Timed Up and Go test, respectively. Conclusions: These data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similarly impaired balance and physical capacity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target postural sway and physical capacity in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in people with long COVID, ME/CFS, and controls

BackgroundPrevalences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) have not previously been compared between individuals with long coronavirus disease (COVID) and individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls. For these reasons, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD in individuals with long COVID (n = 21) and ME/CFS (n = 20) and age-matched controls (n = 20).MethodsA case-case-control approach was employed; participants completed the International Trauma Questionnaire, a self-report measure of the International Classification of Diseases of PTSD and CPTSD consisting of 18 items. Scores were calculated for each PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptom cluster and summed to produce PTSD and DSO scores. PTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD were met but not DSO, and CPTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD and DSO were met. Moreover, each cluster of PTSD and DSO were compared among individuals with long COVID, ME/CFS, and healthy controls.ResultsIndividuals with long COVID (PTSD = 5%, CPTSD = 33%) had more prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS (PTSD = 0%, CPTSD = 20%) and healthy controls (PTSD = 0%, CPTSD = 0%). PTSD and CPTSD prevalence was greater in individuals with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls. Individuals with long COVID had greater values controls for all PTSD values. Moreover, individuals with long COVID had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Individuals with ME/CFS had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Both long COVID and ME/CFS groups differed in overall symptom scores compared with controls.ConclusionFindings of this study demonstrated that individuals with long COVID generally had more cases of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS and healthy controls

Examining well-being and cognitive function in people with Long COVID and ME/CFS, and age-matched healthy controls:a case-case-control study

BackgroundWell-being and cognitive function had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study examined well-being and cognitive function in people with long COVID (∼16 months illness duration; n = 17) and ME/CFS (∼16 years illness duration; n = 24), versus age-matched healthy controls (n = 16).MethodsWell-being was examined using several questionnaires, namely the Health Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), post-exertional malaise (PEM), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), European Quality of Life-5 Domains (EQ-5D), MRC Dyspnoea, Self-Efficacy (SELTC), The Edinburgh Neurosymptoms Questionnaire (ENS), General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Cognitive function was examined using Single Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Stroop test and Trails A and B. These were delivered via a mobile application (app) built specifically for this remote data collection.ResultsThe main findings of the present investigation were that people with ME/CFS and people with long COVID were generally comparable on all well-being and cognitive function measures, but self-reported worse values for pain, fatigue, post-exertional malaise, sleep quality, general well-being in relation to mobility, usual activities, self-care, breathlessness, neurological symptoms, self-efficacy and other well-being such as anxiety and depression, compared to controls. There was no effect of group for cognitive function measures.ConclusionsThese data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similar impairment on well-being measures examined herein. Therefore, interventions that target well-being of people with ME/CFS and long COVID are required

People with long Covid and ME/CFS exhibit similarly impaired dexterity and bimanual coordination:a case-case-control study

PurposeDexterity and bimanual coordination had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study determined dexterity and bimanual coordination in people with long COVID (∼16 month illness duration; n=21) and ME/CFS (∼16 year illness duration; n=20), versus age-matched healthy controls (n=20).MethodsDexterity, and bimanual coordination was determined using the Purdue pegboard test.ResultsThe main findings of the present investigation were that people with ME/CFS and people with long COVID were generally comparable for Purdue pegboard tests (p>0.556 and d<0.36 for pairwise comparisons). It is worth noting however, that both these patient groups performed poorer in the Perdue pegboard test than healthy controls (p<0.169 and d>0.40 for pairwise comparisons).ConclusionsThese data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similarly impaired dexterity, and bimanual coordination. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target dexterity and bimanual coordination in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID

People with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) exhibit similarly impaired vascular function

Background This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with long COVID, individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes. Methods A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance for between-group comparisons. Results Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared with healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared with pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both P < .05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between long COVID and ME/CFS groups (P = .949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, P < .0001). Conclusion The study demonstrates that both long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications

“You think you’re going to get better”:a creative-relational inquiry into Long Covid and physical activity

This creative-relational inquiry explores the lived experience of people suffering from Long Covid. Responding to calls for a publicly oriented qualitative inquiry, we collaborate across an extended project team to develop and share an accessible and engaging performance text which advocates for and supports those who live precariously as a result of contracting Long Covid. We offer our performance text as a resource to inform and guide personal, professional, public, and policy responses to Long Covid. We propose that creative-relational inquiries such as this beneficially extend understanding beyond what is possible through traditional evidence-based medicine alone

People With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function.

This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes. A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 Long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analysed using one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons. Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both Long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared to healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared to pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs. 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both p < 0.05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between Long COVID and ME/CFS groups (p = 0.949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs. Long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, p < 0.0001). The study demonstrates that both Long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in people with long COVID, ME/CFS, and controls.

Prevalences of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) have not previously been compared between individuals with long COVID and individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls. For these reasons, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD in individuals with long COVID (n=21) and ME/CFS (n=20) and age-matched controls (n=20). A case-case-control approach was employed, participants completed the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), a self-report measure of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) of PTSD and CPTSD consisting of 18 items. Scores were calculated for each PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptom cluster and summed to produce PTSD and DSO scores. PTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD were met but not DSO, and CPTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD and DSO were met. Moreover, each cluster of PTSD and DSO were compared among individuals with long COVID, ME/CFS and healthy controls. Individuals with long COVID (PTSD= 5%, CPTSD= 33%) had more prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS (PTSD= 0%, CPTSD= 20%) and healthy controls (PTSD= 0%, CPTSD= 0%). PTSD and CPTSD prevalence was greater in individuals with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls. Individuals with long COVID had greater values controls for all PTSD values. Moreover, individuals with long COVID had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Individuals with ME/CFS had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Both long COVID and ME/CFS groups differed in overall symptom scores compared to controls. Findings of this study demonstrated that individuals with long COVID generally had more cases of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS and healthy controls. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a Potential Countermeasure for Phenotypic Characteristics of Sarcopenia: A Scoping Review

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle quantity and function associated predominantly with aging. Physical activity appears the most promising intervention to attenuate sarcopenia, yet physical activity guidelines are rarely met. In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has garnered interested in athletic populations, clinical populations, and general population alike. There is emerging evidence of the efficacy of HIIT in the young old (i.e. seventh decade of life), yet data concerning the oldest old (i.e., ninth decade of life onwards), and those diagnosed with sarcopenic are sparse.Objectives: In this scoping review of the literature, we aggregated information regarding HIIT as a potential intervention to attenuate phenotypic characteristics of sarcopenia.Eligibility Criteria: Original investigations concerning the impact of HIIT on muscle function, muscle quantity or quality, and physical performance in older individuals (mean age ≥60 years of age) were considered.Sources of Evidence: Five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched.Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework (2005). Review selection and characterization were performed by two independent reviewers using pretested forms.Results: Authors reviewed 1,063 titles and abstracts for inclusion with 74 selected for full text review. Thirty-two studies were analyzed. Twenty-seven studies had a mean participant age in the 60s, two in the 70s, and three in the 80s. There were 20 studies which examined the effect of HIIT on muscle function, 22 which examined muscle quantity, and 12 which examined physical performance. HIIT was generally effective in Improving muscle function and physical performance compared to non-exercised controls, moderate intensity continuous training, or pre-HIIT (study design-dependent), with more ambiguity concerning muscle quantity.Conclusions: Most studies presented herein utilized outcome measures defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). However, there are too few studies investigating any form of HIIT in the oldest old (i.e., ≥80 years of age), or those already sarcopenic. Therefore, more intervention studies are needed in this population

Clinical heterogeneity can hamper the diagnosis of patients with ZAP70 deficiency

One of the severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs), which is caused by a genetic defect in the signal transduction pathways involved in T-cell activation, is the ZAP70 deficiency. Mutations in ZAP70 lead to both abnormal thymic development and defective T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling of peripheral T-cells. In contrast to the lymphopenia in most SCID patients, ZAP70-deficient patients have lymphocytosis, despite the selective absence of CD8+ T-cells. The clinical presentation is usually before 2 years of age with typical findings of SCID. Here, we present three new ZAP70-deficient patients who vary in their clinical presentation. One of the ZAP70-deficient patients presented as a classical SCID, the second patient presented as a healthy looking wheezy infant, whereas the third patient came to clinical attention for the eczematous skin lesions simulating atopic dermatitis with eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE), similar to the Omenn syndrome. This study illustrates that awareness of the clinical heterogeneity of ZAP70 deficiency is of utmost importance for making a fast and accurate diagnosis, which will contribute to the improvement of the adequate treatment of this severe immunodeficiency